Investing Updates: SGX launches Indonesia depository receipts featuring blue-chip listcos

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/sgx-launches-indonesia-depository-receipts-featuring-blue-chip-listcos

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has launched Singapore Depository Receipts (SDRs) for three Indonesian blue-chip companies — Bank Central Asia, Telkom Indonesia, and Indofood CBP — enabling Singapore investors to trade these Indonesian-listed securities in Singapore dollars through local brokers during SGX hours. Issued by Phillip Securities, these unsponsored SDRs grant investors beneficial ownership of the underlying shares listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and are part of the Indonesia–Singapore Depository Receipt (DR) Linkage, aimed at strengthening cross-border market connectivity.

SGX CEO Loh Boon Chye described the initiative as a milestone in regional collaboration, following a 2024 partnership with IDX. The linkage aligns with broader Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recommendations to enhance the local equities market.

Retail investors have driven SDR growth, with daily trading turnover reaching S$16 million in September 2025, a 30-fold jump since the product’s launch three years ago. Total assets under management now stand at about S$200 million, reflecting increasing retail participation.

The Indonesian SDRs follow the earlier rollout of Thai and Hong Kong SDRs, expanding SGX’s total SDR listings to 26. SGX plans to add more Indonesian names and expand to other ASEAN markets such as Vietnam by 2026.

SGX’s Serene Cai highlighted that SDRs simplify overseas investing while maintaining regulatory integrity across jurisdictions. Although discussions on a unified ASEAN exchange have slowed, SDRs are viewed as a pragmatic step toward deeper regional capital-market integration.

The three Indonesian firms were chosen for their exposure to domestic growth — banking, telecommunications, and consumer demand — representing Indonesia’s dynamic, reform-driven economy.

Opinion:

Interesting developments.

I hope this boosts our market.

Investing Updates: Singapore keeps monetary policy settings unchanged in October, for second straight quarter

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-monetary-policy-october

ChatGPT:

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) kept its monetary policy settings unchanged for the second consecutive quarter at its October 2025 review, maintaining the current rate of appreciation of the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) policy band, along with its width and centre. The decision, widely expected by economists, reflects MAS’s confidence in the economy’s resilience amid moderating inflation and global uncertainty.

MAS also lowered its 2025 inflation forecasts, projecting core inflation at around 0.5% and headline inflation between 0.5% and 1.0%, down from the previous 0.5%–1.5% range. The central bank expects core inflation to bottom out soon and rise gradually in 2026 as temporary disinflationary factors fade.

The policy statement struck a more optimistic tone than July’s, noting that while growth will moderate, “the extent of the downturn should be contained.” Economists such as Maybank’s Chua Hak Bin and UOB’s Jester Koh said MAS’s language suggests confidence in maintaining stability and conserving policy space for potential action in 2026.

Recent data supports this optimism. Core inflation eased to 0.3% in August, while headline inflation dipped to 0.5%. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Q3 GDP grew 2.9% year on year, surpassing forecasts despite trade headwinds. MAS said the output gap remains positive, indicating above-trend growth for now, though it expects a return to near-trend pace in 2026.

Easing global import costs, improved productivity, and government subsidies have helped cool price pressures. MAS reaffirmed it remains “in an appropriate position to respond effectively” to any risks to medium-term price stability, signaling a steady stance heading into 2026.

Opinion:

Pray that economic mixed rice prices stay the same!

Investing Updates: Singapore economy beats forecasts with 2.9% growth in third quarter despite US tariffs

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/singapore-economy-grows-2-9-in-third-quarter-mti-advance-estimate

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s economy expanded 2.9% year on year in Q3 2025, outperforming economists’ forecasts of 2%, despite global trade tensions and new US tariffs. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said the stronger-than-expected performance reflected resilience in construction, services, and domestic consumption, even as manufacturing growth stalled. Quarter-on-quarter, manufacturing rose 6.1%, rebounding from a 0.7% contraction, while construction grew 3.1%, supported by both public and private projects. Services industries expanded 3.5%, led by finance, ICT, and professional services.

Analysts attributed the growth to fiscal stimulus, falling interest rates, and AI-driven demand in tech exports, which offset external headwinds. Maybank and Goldman Sachs raised their 2025 GDP forecasts to 3.5% and 3.6%respectively, while RHB lifted its estimate to 3%, citing resilient domestic demand. However, economists warned that growth momentum may ease in Q4 as front-loading of US-bound exports fades and uncertainty persists over possible tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which make up nearly a third of Singapore’s US exports.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) noted that the economy grew 3.9% in the first three quarters of 2025, but expects moderation ahead as trade activity normalises. It added that AI-related investments, particularly in memory chips and servers, should support manufacturing for the rest of the year. Retail spending remains stable, though benefits from SG60 vouchers are set to taper. Overall, while Singapore’s near-term outlook remains cautiously positive, external risks and tariff uncertainties could weigh on exports and investments heading into 2026.

Opinion:

Nice figures.

Hopefully, the job economy gets better.

Investing Updates: Trust Bank to launch US equities trading function within its mobile app

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/trust-bank-launch-us-equities-trading-function-within-its-mobile-app

ChatGPT:

Digital lender Trust Bank is set to launch a US equities trading platform within its mobile app, expanding its investment offerings under TrustInvest. The new feature, announced on Oct 15, 2025, will allow users to trade US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) directly from the Trust app. A waiting list for the service opened the same day, with customers to be progressively invited to open trading accounts in the coming weeks.

A key highlight of the new platform is fractional trading, which Trust claims is a first for any banking app in Singapore. This feature enables investors to buy fractions of expensive US stocks instead of full shares — for instance, owning part of a stock like Netflix, which trades above US$1,200 per share. Such accessibility aims to make investing in major US companies more inclusive, especially for retail investors with smaller budgets.

The trading service will be integrated under TrustInvest, the bank’s investment arm launched in February 2025, which already offers a variety of investment products tailored to different risk profiles.

Fractional trading has already been offered by online brokerages like Interactive Brokers, Tiger Brokers, and Webull, but Trust’s move marks its entry into the digital wealth space as the first local bank-backed app to do so. By embedding stock trading into its ecosystem, Trust Bank continues to position itself as a one-stop financial platform, bridging traditional banking with accessible investing for Singapore’s growing digital-savvy market.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Wonder if it's too late for this.

If the trading prices are not right, I doubt it will gain much traction.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from big banks; Powell Speech and Inflation Data)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/59587289/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-earnings-from-big?level=1&data_ticket=1759710088403852

ChatGPT:

The week ahead features key U.S. bank earnings, major macro events, and critical inflation indicators. Earnings season resumes in full with big banks leading. On Tuesday (Oct 14), JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and BlackRock open the season. Investors will watch whether trading and dealmaking activity stayed strong, how banks manage consumer credit quality, and updates on capital returns and Citi’s Banamex divestment.

Wednesday (Oct 15) sees results from Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and ASML. BofA’s net interest income and cost control are in focus, while Morgan Stanley may benefit from revived M&A and IPO activity and lower capital requirements. United Airlines will highlight travel demand trends amid yield and fuel cost pressures.

On Thursday (Oct 16), Charles Schwab and CSX Corp report. Schwab’s trading activity, client inflows, and resilience in net interest income will show how well it is navigating higher rates. CSX’s update under new CEO Steve Angel will be watched for strategy amid ongoing rail consolidation.

Friday (Oct 17) features American Express, where sustained spending could support the upper end of its 8–10% annual revenue growth target. Analysts will monitor travel recovery, credit trends, and marketing spend flexibility.

Macro focus shifts to the IMF–World Bank meetings (Oct 13–18), a busy lineup of central bank speeches, and Fed Chair Powell’s Oct 14 address. A U.S. government shutdown delays key releases like CPI (to Oct 24), spotlighting softer data such as NFIB optimism, Empire Manufacturing, and the Beige Book. Bloomberg Economics projects muted job growth and easing inflation pressures, supporting expectations of a Fed rate cut by late October and a shift toward cyclical sectors.

Investing Updates: Commentary: More uncertainty for Singapore economy after US interest rates cut

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/us-fed-cut-interest-rates-singapore-inflation-economy-5385076

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s domestic interest rates have fallen sharply, with the three-month compounded SORA dropping to 1.44 per cent this year, about half of where it should be relative to US policy rates. This divergence reflects strong capital inflows and investor demand for Singapore as a safe haven, buoyed by geopolitical uncertainty and trade risks. Equity returns have also outpaced global benchmarks, adding to abundant liquidity and suppressing borrowing costs.

While the US Federal Reserve cut rates in September and signalled further reductions, local rates may not fall much further. Still, the lower-for-longer environment brings relief to households and businesses. Mortgage rates have declined from peaks of 4.5 per cent in 2022 to below 2.5 per cent, easing repayment burdens and boosting disposable income. Rising asset values also support consumption, though savers may feel the squeeze as deposit rates fall.

For companies, cheaper borrowing encourages expansion, especially in trade-related sectors that are front-loading exports ahead of potential US tariffs. Construction firms and larger corporates benefit most, though SMEs may struggle to access lower rates due to collateral and credit constraints.

Despite these positives, Singapore’s economic outlook remains clouded by external risks. The US faces slowing job growth, sticky inflation, and fears of stagflation, while China remains in deflation. Trade tensions, particularly tariff changes under US President Donald Trump, threaten global demand and complicate business planning.

Domestically, policymakers have expanded financing support and slowed currency appreciation to cushion the economy. However, Singapore’s growth momentum is expected to moderate, with 2026 posing greater uncertainties. Lower interest rates ease short-term strains, but global developments will ultimately shape the city-state’s trajectory.

Investing Updates: Singapore gets noticed as IPO activity rises

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/singapore-gets-noticed-ipo-activity-rises

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s IPO market has drawn attention after overtaking London in Bloomberg’s 2025 ranking of busiest listing venues. With US$1.44 billion raised this year, largely from REITs, Singapore is now ranked ninth globally, while London slipped to 23rd. The surge comes as companies and sponsors capitalize on buoyant investor sentiment, with the Straits Times Index hitting record highs.

Recent Catalist board listings have performed well. MetaOptics, which sold shares at S$0.20, ended last week at S$0.53. Lum Chang Creations, spun off from Lum Chang Holdings, peaked at S$0.59 before settling at S$0.455, while Dezign Format rose from its S$0.20 IPO price to close at S$0.29. These successes contrast with mixed results from mainboard debuts. Centurion Accommodation REIT delivered gains, rising from S$0.88 to S$1.04. However, NTT DC REIT stumbled initially, falling below its IPO price due to concerns over yields and tenant risks, before recovering to US$1.02. Info-Tech Systems, the first mainboard IPO in nearly two years, debuted at S$0.87 and remains volatile, closing at S$0.88.

Momentum appears strong, with upcoming listings in the pipeline. Coliwoo, a co-living property player with 25 sites and expansion plans to 4,000 rooms, and Soon Hock Enterprise, an industrial developer, have filed for mainboard IPOs. Catalist may also see Leong Guan Holdings, a food producer, and Infinity Development, a chemical supplier, entering the market.

While IPO participation carries risks, the rise in listings boosts the broader ecosystem. Investor relations firms are hiring, and research houses, law firms, and banks may follow suit. If Singapore sustains this momentum, surpassing London in IPO activity could become a norm rather than a headline.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from PEP, APLD; Initial Jobless Claims and Powell Speaks)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/59326748/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-earnings-from-pep?level=1&data_ticket=1759710088403852

ChatGPT:

In the week ahead, investors will closely watch two very different earnings reports alongside key U.S. macroeconomic data and commentary from the Federal Reserve.

On October 9, PepsiCo (PEP) reports before market open. The consumer giant has struggled in 2025, with shares down 7% year-to-date, lagging the S&P 500 by 23%. Analysts forecast Q3 EPS of $2.26, a 2.18% decline year-over-year, reflecting ongoing headwinds. Despite this, PepsiCo has consistently outperformed expectations, beating estimates in all but one quarter over the past two years. Looking forward, analysts expect earnings to return to mid-single-digit growth in 2026, underpinned by its strong execution track record.

Later that day, Applied Digital (APLD) reports after market close. Riding the AI infrastructure boom, its stock has surged 234% this year, though its valuation looks stretched with an EV/Sales ratio of 44x versus the sector’s 4x. Investor excitement is driven by its expanded $CoreWeave lease, boosting contracted capacity to 400MW and potentially $11 billion in revenue. The market anticipates further large-scale deals, with management confirming talks with a U.S. hyperscaler, keeping sentiment highly bullish.

On the macro side, the spotlight falls on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming speech, widely seen as the key event shaping policy expectations. Markets will parse his tone for clues on the timing and scale of future rate moves. His comments will be informed by the delayed September Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report, which provides a comprehensive view of labor market health. Ahead of that, Initial Jobless Claims, expected to tick up to 223K from 218K, will offer a more immediate read on employment, reinforcing the narrative of gradual cooling the Fed has been monitoring.

Investing Updates: Keppel DC REIT Preferential Offering – What should unitholders do?

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/keppel-dc-reit-preferential-offering-2025

ChatGPT:

Keppel DC REIT (KDCREIT) has announced a preferential offering in conjunction with its acquisition of Tokyo Data Centre 3. Entitled unitholders can subscribe to 80 new units at S$2.24 each for every 1,000 units held, with the offer running from 3–13 October 2025.

The acquisition, valued at JPY 82.1 billion (~S$707 million), will give KDCREIT a 98.47% stake in the asset, with Keppel Ltd holding the rest. Tokyo Data Centre 3 is a newly built, five-storey hyperscale facility in Greater Tokyo, fully leased to a global hyperscaler under a 15-year contract with annual rent escalations. Strategically located with low-latency connectivity, the centre enhances KDCREIT’s position in one of Asia-Pacific’s most robust data centre markets.

Financially, the deal is attractive. It is priced at a 1.1% discount to independent valuation and is expected to be yield-accretive, lifting FY2024 pro forma distribution per unit (DPU) by 2.8% to 9.712 cents. Aggregate leverage will rise from 30.0% to 34.5%, but the balance sheet remains healthy with about S$559 million debt headroom. Portfolio metrics also improve, with occupancy increasing to 95.9% and weighted average lease expiry extending to 7.2 years.

The preferential offering will raise about S$404.5 million via 180.56 million new units at S$2.24, a 6.7% discount to the S$2.40 closing price on 2 October 2025. At current levels, KDCREIT offers a 4.2% historical yield and trades at a price-to-book of 1.54x.

For existing unitholders, the offering provides an opportunity to accumulate units at a discount while benefiting from exposure to a stable, income-generating freehold asset. Given the accretive nature of the deal and strong tenant profile, subscribing appears attractive for long-term investors.

Opinion:

I've owned Keppel DC since 2017. There have been 2 such exercises so far I recall.

It's one of the best performing REITs in my portfolio.

I think it's worth investing as a unit holder too. DYOD.

Entertainment Updates: S$6.8M for a single Pokemon card? Inside the billion-dollar TCG obsession.

Source:

https://vulcanpost.com/897421/singapore-pokemon-cards-hype/

ChatGPT:

Spending S$6.8 million on a single Pokémon card might sound absurd, but in the trading card game (TCG) world, it represents the height of a booming billion-dollar industry. The card in question—Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator, one of only 39 in existence—earned its astronomical price due to rarity, pristine condition (PSA 10 rating), and cultural value. Cards like these are carefully authenticated and preserved, sometimes even displayed with luxury cases.

The Pokémon TCG, with over 75 billion cards sold worldwide, stands as the best-selling trading card game, eclipsing rivals like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering. Demand surged during the pandemic, when nostalgia and investment frenzy collided, pushing auction prices and returns to dizzying levels—some cards have risen over 3,000% since 2004. In Singapore, the hype is visible at store launches and conventions that draw thousands, sometimes sparking chaotic scenes like the cancelled Prismatic Evolutions release at Jewel Changi.

While the speculative mania has cooled, vendors note that interest remains strong. Collectors-turned-retailers like The Pokemon Guys and Capybara Cards highlight how the hobby shifted from casual pastime to side hustles and even full businesses. Yet, the market is now saturated, with demand normalising post-pandemic. Investors continue to monitor prices, but the true lifeblood of the community lies with passionate fans.

Collectors such as Red Mora, who has amassed over 100 Charizard cards since childhood, embody the enduring heart of Pokémon. For him and many others, cards are not just financial assets but cherished memories, artworks, and pieces of nostalgia. Even amid market fluctuations, the thrill of pulling a rare card, trading with friends, or completing a set reminds players that at its core, Pokémon is still about joy—not just profit.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Nike; JOLTS, PMI and Nonfarm Payrolls)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/59068254/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-earnings-from-nike?level=1&data_ticket=1758502671892302

ChatGPT:

The week ahead brings a mix of corporate earnings and key U.S. economic data that could shape market sentiment. Sportswear giant Nike (NKE.US) is set to release Q3 results on September 30 after market close. The stock has rebounded 13.9% this quarter, outpacing its industry peers. Analysts forecast revenue of $10.98 billion, a 5% sequential decline, and EPS of $0.27, down 60% year-on-year. Nike has guided for mid-single-digit sales decreases, with consensus expecting a 7% drop. The company is also contending with $1 billion in additional structural costs from new tariffs. While management is pursuing production shifts and partnerships to mitigate the impact, gross margins could contract by about 75 basis points.

On the macro front, the September nonfarm payrolls report due Friday takes center stage. The release is seen as critical for the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, as investors currently expect two rate cuts before the end of 2025. Forecasts are highly uncertain, ranging from a contraction of 20,000 to a gain of 100,000 jobs. The report could also face delays if lawmakers fail to avert a potential government shutdown on October 1.

Other major releases include the ISM Manufacturing PMI (Wednesday), expected to tick up to 49.1 from 48.7, and the ISM Services PMI (Friday), projected to remain at 52, indicating modest expansion. Regional Fed surveys suggest mixed signals, with softening demand but improving employment conditions.

Together, Nike’s earnings and a full slate of economic data—led by Friday’s payrolls—will guide market expectations on consumer demand, corporate resilience, and the Fed’s next moves.

Investing Updates: Singapore, UAE are the ‘most crypto-obsessed’ countries: Report

Source:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/singapore-uae-top-global-crypto-obsession-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

ChatGPT:

Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as the world’s most “crypto-obsessed” countries, according to a report by ApeX Protocol. Singapore took the top spot with a perfect score of 100, reflecting 24.4% of its population owning crypto and the world’s highest search activity—2,000 crypto-related queries per 100,000 people. Adoption in Singapore has surged, with ownership more than doubling from 11% in 2021 to over 24% by 2022.

The UAE followed closely with a score of 99.7, ranking first in global ownership at 25.3%. Adoption in the Gulf state has climbed 210% since 2019, peaking in 2022 when more than a third of residents held digital assets. ApeX’s study assessed countries across four categories: ownership, adoption growth, search activity, and crypto ATM availability.

The United States ranked third with a score of 98.5, leading globally in infrastructure with over 30,000 ATMs—ten times more than any other country—and reporting a 220% increase in usage since 2019. Canada placed fourth, fueled by the report’s highest adoption growth rate at 225%. While only 10.1% of Canadians own crypto, its 3,500 ATMs pushed its score to 64.7.

Turkey rounded out the top five with a score of 57.6, where 19.3% of the population own digital assets, ranking third in global ownership, supported by strong search activity. Other notable entries in the top 10 include Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Argentina, and Indonesia.

The report highlights how crypto is shifting from a niche asset class to a mainstream component of financial systems. ApeX noted that digital currencies now represent both investment opportunities and broader transformations in how societies view money and trust in the digital era.

Investing Updates: MAS to warn 5 content creators in S’pore who may have given financial advice without a licence

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/mas-to-warn-5-content-creators-in-spore-who-may-have-given-financial-advice-without-a-licence

ChatGPT:

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will issue advisory letters to five content creators suspected of offering unlicensed financial advice, marking the first such action against online “finfluencers.” They have been told to adjust their practices or risk enforcement under the Financial Advisers Act, which carries penalties of up to $75,000 in fines or three years’ jail.

The move follows MAS’ release of new guidelines on Sept 25, aimed at promoting responsible online financial content. These guidelines stress encouraging informed decision-making, such as understanding risk tolerance, conducting independent research, and seeking licensed advice. Content creators are urged to highlight budgeting, caution against overspending, and disclose risks as well as rewards. They should avoid exploiting fear of missing out and must prioritize followers’ financial well-being.

MAS clarified that disclaimers like “this is not financial advice” do not remove liability. A licence may be required when recommending products, tailoring advice to individuals, or facilitating trades. Creators are advised to vet collaborations by checking MAS’ Financial Institutions Directory and avoiding entities on its Investor Alert List. Sponsored content must also be disclosed.

The regulator said promotional content must comply with the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice, and financial institutions must ensure their marketing is professional and accurate. Complaints against finfluencers have risen, with eight lodged in 2025 as of April, compared with an average of five annually in previous years.

Industry players welcomed the guidelines. Executives from Beansprout, The Weeblings, and The Financial Coconut said clearer standards will raise industry credibility, protect consumers, and build trust, though some cautioned that even regulated advice has limits.

Opinion:

Don’t take my word for it! 😂
YouTube feels overloaded with ads and flashy clickbait — big headlines, big reactions everywhere. 

I get it, that’s how creators drive views and income. Still, I wish there were a better, less in-your-face way to do it 😛

Investing Updates: Coinbase users can now access Singapore dollar stablecoin in StraitsX tie-up

Source:

https://www.theedgesingapore.com/digitaledge/cryptocurrency/coinbase-users-can-now-access-singapore-dollar-stablecoin-straitsx-tie

ChatGPT:

Coinbase has partnered with StraitsX to list XSGD, a Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin recognised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the upcoming Single Currency Stablecoin (SCS) framework. The collaboration expands stablecoin offerings beyond the US dollar, enhancing local and cross-border payment options for individuals and businesses.

XSGD allows users to convert one Singapore dollar into one tokenised equivalent, enabling transactions in local currency while reducing foreign exchange risks and volatility. This development aims to strengthen financial inclusion, encourage digital asset adoption, and support economic activity in Singapore. StraitsX CEO Tianwei Liu highlighted that direct access to non-USD stablecoins helps dismantle long-standing USD-centric barriers in on-chain FX markets, moving closer to a truly multi-currency and borderless financial ecosystem.

The partnership will also build liquidity pools across multiple currency corridors. XSGD will begin trading on Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced on September 29 (UTC), and will be issued on Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 network. A key feature is the launch of an XSGD/USDC pool on Aerodrome, a central liquidity hub on Base. Incentives will be offered to deepen liquidity and encourage adoption.

With XSGD live on Coinbase Singapore, users and developers can unlock new use cases in local currency. These include blockchain-based AI agent transactions, digital art purchases, acquisition of tokenised real-world assets, and permissionless, 24/7 foreign exchange activities.

Hassan Ahmed, Coinbase Singapore’s country director, noted that the move brings the company closer to its vision of instant, accessible payments worldwide, giving users greater participation in the global financial system.

Investing Updates: SGX launches new indices. Explore opportunities beyond STI blue chips?

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/iedge-singapore-next-50-index

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has introduced the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Indices, designed to spotlight mid-cap companies beyond the 30 blue-chip constituents of the Straits Times Index (STI). This move follows strong market momentum—STI rose nearly 18% over the past year, supported by the S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) and corporate restructuring efforts.

The indices track the “next in line” 50 large and liquid companies on SGX’s Mainboard. To qualify, firms must have a market cap above S$100 million, adequate free float, and meet liquidity and trading velocity thresholds. Constituents are capped at 5% each, with rebalancing every quarter. Two versions exist: the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index and the Liquidity Weighted Index.

Key constituents include ComfortDelGro, Yangzijiang Financial, NetLink Trust, Keppel REIT, Parkway Life REIT, and iFAST, with real estate investment trusts (REITs) representing about 45% of the index. Financials and industrials also carry significant weight.

Performance has been mixed. Over the past decade, the Next 50 Index returned 5% annually versus STI’s 8.9%, while the Liquidity Weighted Index delivered 3.1%. However, recent years show outperformance: year-to-date in 2025, both indices have gained around 25%, topping the STI’s 19.3%. Notably, in 2019 and 2025, they outpaced the STI by wide margins.

The indices aim to broaden Singapore’s investable universe, enhance market engagement, and create potential benchmarks for future ETFs. For now, no direct ETF exists, meaning investors must buy individual stocks to mirror performance. While the new indices highlight promising mid-cap opportunities, they come with greater volatility and liquidity risks compared to STI blue chips.

Opinion:

New indexes still include many REITs, haha.

Would be interesting to see if having both STI and Next 50 indices in portfolio works better long-term.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Micron, Costco; Powell Speech and Inflation Data)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/58757316/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-earnings-from-micron?level=1&data_ticket=1758502671892302

ChatGPT:

As earnings season winds down, a few high-profile companies and key economic data points will dominate the week ahead.

Micron Technology (MU) will report fiscal Q4 earnings after Tuesday’s close. The stock has surged 37% this month and is up 94% year-to-date, fueled by strong demand for high-bandwidth memory chips used in AI data centers. Analysts expect adjusted earnings of $2.79 per share, up 136% year-on-year, with revenue projected at $11.13 billion, a 44% increase. For Q1, Wall Street forecasts EPS of $3.01, up 68%, and revenue of $11.84 billion, up 36%. Micron recently set a new all-time high, surpassing its June 2024 peak.

Costco (COST) will release results Thursday. Oppenheimer raised its Q4 EPS forecast to $5.70 from $5.40, though consensus stands slightly higher at $5.81. Earlier this month, Costco reported quarterly sales of $84.4 billion, an 8% increase but below analysts’ $86.08 billion expectation. Investors will be watching for signs of margin strength and membership trends.

On the macro front, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to deliver his first public remarks since the Fed’s initial 2025 rate cut. Markets are eager for signals on the pace of further easing. Friday brings the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—the core PCE index—expected to rise 0.22% month-on-month, lifting annual core inflation to 3% from 2.9%. Personal income is forecast to grow 0.3%, while personal spending is seen rising 0.4%. These reports are unlikely to surprise since CPI and PPI data have already been released.

Other highlights include August existing home sales on Tuesday and a range of additional economic releases, rounding out a week of earnings and Fed-focused developments.

Rewards Updates: Points earned on HPB's Healthy 365 app can now be used to get MediShield Life premium discounts

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/moh-healthy-365-medishield-life-premium-discounts-hpb-5355776

ChatGPT:

From Sep 18, Singapore residents aged 40 and above can use health points earned on the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) Healthy 365 app to offset MediShield Life premiums. The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that policyholders, including those with Integrated Shield Plans, can redeem discounts at a rate of 150 health points for S$2—double the regular conversion value of S$1.

A three-year pilot scheme is being rolled out. By averaging 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly for a year, participants can earn sufficient points for about S$70 in premium discounts, roughly achievable with a daily 20-minute brisk walk. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the initiative rewards healthier living and helps reduce future medical costs.

Points are earned by completing exercise challenges on the app, signing up for healthy lifestyle programmes, or enrolling with a Healthier SG clinic and completing a Health Plan consultation. Once redeemed, discounts automatically apply at the next annual policy renewal.

According to MOH, the maximum health points attainable annually equate to S$270 in value. With the higher conversion rate, this could translate to as much as S$540 in MediShield Life premium discounts per year. The Healthy 365 app also lets users exchange points for FairPrice or Kopitiam vouchers and other rewards, complementing the broader Healthier SG preventive healthcare strategy.

The new incentive comes amid rising MediShield Life premiums, set to climb by an average of 22 per cent through 2028, and possibly up to 35 per cent, following expanded coverage and higher claim limits. To ease the impact, the government has raised MediSave withdrawal limits to help cover deductibles and co-insurance.

Opinion:

This is good news.

Seems like redeeming MediShield rewards is a better deal than supermarket vouchers now.

Investing Updates: Commentary: Singapore’s stock market is no longer just about the big boys

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/sgx-singapore-stock-market-sti-record-high-new-equity-index-mid-caps-5348586

ChatGPT:

After years of sluggishness, Singapore’s stock market is showing renewed vitality. The Straits Times Index (STI) rebounded 29 per cent from an April low to a record 4,375 in September 2025, driven by the big banks and Singtel. Yet the focus is shifting beyond these blue-chip counters. National Development Minister and MAS Deputy Chairman Chee Hong Tat announced plans for a new index to track large, liquid companies outside the STI, recognising that the STI’s 30 components represent just 5 per cent of over 600 SGX-listed firms.

The timing reflects a broader market upswing. Once-neglected mid-caps and second liners such as Boustead, LHN, Centurion, Wee Hur, and Kingsmen are hitting record levels. Trading since the second quarter has been dominated by these stocks, supported by the MAS’s S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme, with S$1 billion already allocated to funds boosting mid-cap activity. A dedicated index could further draw institutional money and enable passive ETF trackers, expanding liquidity.

However, structural improvements also require companies to engage investors more actively. Beyond earnings briefings, management must communicate consistently and consider “safe harbour” rules for forward-looking disclosures to reduce regulatory fears. Such outreach would strengthen investor confidence, raise liquidity, and lower funding costs by allowing firms to tap equity markets instead of borrowings—creating a virtuous cycle of growth and capital access.

Global conditions add momentum. With funds flowing into Singapore amid geopolitical uncertainty and interest rates set to decline, equities are increasingly attractive. For investors who once overlooked Singapore in favour of regional plays, the tide may be turning. If the US economy stays steady and shocks are avoided, Singapore’s stock market could be on track for its strongest year in more than a decade.

Opinion:

Positive messaging from Singapore's press.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Fed Interest Rate Decision; FedEx earnings and Meta Connect )

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/58444309/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-fed-interest-rate?level=1&data_ticket=1757896023524503

ChatGPT:

What to Expect in the Week Ahead: Fed Decision, FedEx Earnings, and Meta Connect

Investors are focused on the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting starting Tuesday, alongside several key corporate earnings and events.

On the earnings front, General Mills and Bullish will report Wednesday, followed by Darden Restaurants before the market opens Thursday and FedEx after the close. Analysts expect Bullish to post Q2 2025 revenue of USD 56.3M with EPS of USD 0.88. FedEx is forecast to deliver Q1 2026 revenue of USD 21.67B, up 0.44% year-over-year, with EPS of USD 3.32, reflecting a 3.4% increase. However, FedEx continues to face headwinds including sluggish business-to-business demand, weakening e-commerce volumes, and the drag from U.S. trade policies on global shipping.

Separately, Meta Platforms will host its Meta Connect developer conference, spotlighting AI, extended reality (XR), and wearable technology. The highlight will be the unveiling of Meta’s next-generation smart glasses—its first consumer-ready eyewear with a built-in display.

Macroeconomic data will also shape market sentiment. Monday brings the Empire State Manufacturing Index, followed by Retail Sales and Industrial Production Tuesday. Wednesday will see Housing Starts, Building Permits, and the Fed’s policy decision, with Jobless Claims due Thursday.

The Fed meeting is widely anticipated, with markets and Bloomberg Intelligence expecting a 25-basis-point rate cut—the first since December. This cut appears less driven by core economic data and more by investor expectations and political pressure from the White House. Chair Jerome Powell is expected to strike a cautious, neutral tone in his press conference, emphasizing the Fed’s balance between price stability and employment, while signaling independence in decision-making.

Opinion:

Predicting bullish week! 💪

Investing Updates: SGX to launch index that tracks listcos beyond STI: Chee Hong Tat

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sgx-launch-index-tracks-non-sti-listcos-chee-hong-tat

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) will launch a new index to track listed companies beyond the Straits Times Index (STI), said Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) deputy chairman and Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Sept 12. The initiative aims to showcase a broader segment of Singapore’s equity market, given that the STI – comprising the 30 largest firms by market capitalisation – only represents part of SGX’s listed companies.

Chee, who also chairs MAS’ equities review group, explained that the new index will highlight the performance of the next tier of large and liquid companies, focusing on business transformation, governance, and capital management. The move comes alongside a S$5 billion equity market development programme to boost liquidity, complemented by tax incentives for listings and streamlined disclosure processes.

Chee noted growing investor interest in non-STI stocks, and said more indices may follow, covering areas such as corporate governance and sustainability. Indices, he added, act as recognition mechanisms that enhance company visibility and investor awareness. SGX is also working on roadshows, trade fairs, and media features to help smaller companies improve exposure.

However, Chee emphasised that companies must also take responsibility by actively communicating their strategies, growth stories, and long-term plans. Effective communication—through regular updates, media engagement, and forward-looking guidance—builds investor confidence and ultimately drives shareholder value. MAS is reviewing regulatory frameworks to reduce legal concerns around such disclosures.

Industry leaders echoed the call for stronger corporate practices and more proactive investor engagement. SGX executives stressed that unlocking shareholder value and greater transparency are essential to sustaining market growth. Further measures from the review group will be unveiled later this year to support listed companies in strengthening value creation and visibility.

Opinion:

Nice development on local market.

Let's see what this new index is about and whether it's worth considering.